Jerry E. Parks was born in Valentine, Nebraska on April 29, 1935 to Floyd and Pearl Parks. He passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side in Valentine on November 15, 2015.
On December 27, 1955, Jerry married Arlene Manzanares and the couple celebrated 59 years of marriage.
Jerry and Arlene moved to California in 1956 and welcomed their four children – Larry, Gay, Bud and JJ – to the family during that time. The family returned to Valentine in 1966 and took ownership of the Home Oil and Tire Company on New Year's Day.
Founded and operated as a family oriented business, the Home Café had a great network of faithful employees, customers and organizations that helped Jerry and his family form fond memories. in the more than 26 years they owned the business, including the Sunday buffet hosted each week.
Jerry enjoyed playing poker and gin and became great friends with many of these people.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Arlene, his children: Larry, his wife Becky (Brunken) and their children Michael and Sean of Thornton, CO; Gay Pickner, her husband, Barry of Huron, SD, and their children Bumper , Tyler, and his wife Megan, two granddaughters, Annabella and Lyla; Bud, his wife Shelley (Watts) of Valentine, NE and their five children, Megan, Andrew, Jerry, Josh, Stephanie and eight grandchildren Brooklynn, Maia, Eric, Amelia, Mason, McKenzie and Shawn; and JJ Harvey, her husband Matt, of Crescent, Iowa and their children Emilee, Trenton and Grayson.
Other relatives included Zelma Dean, who helped raise Jerry and remained close until his death. Bob, Jim, Marcella Dean and many great nieces and nephews.

Funeral service for long time Valentine businessman, Jerry Parks age 80 of Valentine will be held on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 10:00 AM at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Valentine. Burial will be at a later date. Visitation will be on Friday, Nov. 20 at 3:00 PM at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines, followed by Rosary at the Church at 7:00 PM. Mr. Parks passed away on Nov. 15 at his home in Valentine.